10/29/2021
SHARING OUR STORY DURING THE 2020 PANDEMIC
Mark and I would like to start by saying that we are fine. However, reality in 2020 hit us in many different ways. As the year began it seemed like it was going to be the greatest year for us. As March arrived, we were in the process of buying our first house that we would soon call our home. Mark began a new job, our family life and support system was wonderful.
Then the pandemic caused by Covid-19 virus became evident, and it changed every aspect of our lives. From not being able to see anyone in our families to being stuck in traffic from home to work and back home again. Everything about life became more arduous and complicated. It was hard to believe what was happening all around us.
People from all over the world, any race, age, or color were being attacked by a virus that could enter their respiratory
systems and possibly even kill them. And many did die.
Suddenly, California state law required everyone to wear a mask in public places, keep 6 feet apart and have no personal contact with anyone other than immediate family at home.
Mark and I were frightened about what the future held for our family. As weeks and months progressed, nothing seemed to improve. Surprisingly, businesses throughout California and
the nation began closing their doors to the public and non-essential workers no longer could go to work due to the unpredictable and rapid spread of the virus. As the dramatic change in our community and world unfolded each day, Mark and I often found ourselves praying to God that our little family would be spared. As essential workers, we were happy to help the
community in our respective jobs.
Every morning, as we left home for work, we thanked God for the new day and asked God to keep Mark and I, our son Fernando, his dear caregiver Caroline, Caroline's baby boy who is physically a high-risk child, and everyone around us, safe.
When returning home, we exercised every precaution we could think of, including taking a shower, before enjoying the rest of the evening. That daily routine comforted us, as we did not know what the future held.
November 2020 arrived and I learned that I was pregnant. Mark and I were concerned again about the future. For a short period of time, we worried about bringing another child into the world, given the difficult circumstances. The world seemed to be slowly dying. We had already lost a few of our relatives. The approaching Winter felt colder than ever and very sad.
The future, viewed through many tears, did not seem like it would be any better. And yet this newly-conceived child was brought to life by our love. It possessed our genes. This child was a sacred gift from God. At that very moment, we both realized that positive thinking was no longer sufficient. Living day by day, in God's presence, always being grateful for each moment, was the way to keep moving forward. We began to pray a little louder. And with the mental, emotional, and spiritual support of Hinson and Lucy, Mark's parents, we experienced what it was like to live and survive such a difficult time.
The blessings of November prepared us for December 2020, when Covid symptoms began in our family. Mark was tested right away and learned that Mark was positive with a mild case of Covid. Life seemed to halt briefly as many thoughts entered our minds. We
quarantined, which became the longest days of our lives. But then we returned to our daily routines, after another test that confirmed that Mark was negative for Covid.
Then the holidays came and the only thing that kept us sane was the hope that baby Jesus' birth brought with him. We greeted the new year with renewed faith and hope.
In February we had a wonderful experience enjoying a covid safe family vacation to Hawaii. We enjoyed nature’s beauty, celebrating Mark’s mom birthday and watching Fernando love every second of it. We relaxed, and renewed our energy to take on the world when we returned home.
It is May now and things are starting to look more positive. Many high-risk people have been vaccinated and many others are being vaccinated against Covid-19. Businesses are starting to open back up and we feel more alive then ever. Life is so wonderful and mysterious at the same time! Sometimes like a whirlwind, sometimes like a roller coaster ride.
After a devastating experience of two miscarriages and then having Fernando our bundle of joy a fourth child is on the way. He is a miracle from God, a child whose early stages of life have been carried through a most horrific pandemic. And even though it's been a very difficult year, we have learned to appreciate life, and each other, and to live one day at the time. This pandemic was difficult to endure, just as it has been for many of you out there.
But please remember that God promises not to leave any of us alone in a storm.
In Isaiah 41:10, God tells us "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
So take heart! There is light at the end of the tunnel. Soon enough, we will be able to enjoy each other's company.
A.A.F
